Charlie Zahm with Tad Marks
Charlie Zahm is one of the most popular soloists at Celtic music festivals, Maritime, and American Traditional music events anywhere east of the Mississippi. With a baritone voice some have described as "coming along once in a generation," Charlie has become one of the most successful performers on the Celtic festival circuit, weaving magical moments of Scottish and Irish history for the listener and viewer, with passion for the performance and a chosen repertoire pleasing to all members of the family. A master of the guitar as well, Charlie brings an authentic love and respect for the music he sings-and with dashes of humor and a light in his eyes, he will draw you into the stories of his songs!
Charlie is often joined by fantastic Baltimore fiddler Tad Marks, who has toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe with top-name groups and is considered one of the finest fiddlers on the East Coast. His down-home charm and easy-going style have made him friends across the country, and his fine fiddling on stage with Charlie ranges from hard-driving jigs and reels to the most expressive accompaniment for vocals you will ever hear. His solo CD releases have received great praise from traditional Celtic and bluegrass fiddle-music lovers alike! Tad's music has also been featured on many of Charlie's albums and dozens of additional CDs by other artists, TV commercials, and on various other projects.
Video: I Hae Seen the Hielands
Across the Pond
Across the Pond’s unique style and arrangements have quickly made them a regional favorite. They start with pure-drop Celtic trad folk music and then “have their way with it.” Their extensive musical backgrounds rooted in bluegrass, country, rock, classical and Appalachian Mountain music allows them to create unique, interesting and powerful arrangements, never straying too far from the traditional roots.
They have performed at over 800 festivals, weddings, concerts and other shows from North Carolina to Montreal, Quebec. Founding member and Frontman Mike Morrison (Latigo Smith, Hired Guns), plays guitar, mandolin, native-American flute and sings lead vocals. He leads fast-paced shows, selecting pieces on the fly to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, smiling, clapping and tapping their toes. Founding member Dan Diviney adds bodhrán, whistles and lead vocals. Molly Shortridge performs on several flutes and whistles, and sings lead and backing vocals. Lavinia Reid, a third-generation fiddler, rounds out the line-up, also singing lead and backing vocals.
Their music is suitable for all ages. They have performed many notable shows, including for NY Times Best Selling Author Nora Roberts’ re-release of her Irish Trilogy; English playwright Jez Butterworth’s Broadway cast of The Ferryman; the Canadian Government; Captify’s Manhattan office; and many, many more notable shows and festivals in the Eastern US and Canada.
Videos: Promo video
Cúlra
Formed by members of multiple award-winning Celtic bands, Cúlra is a new folk quintet erupting from Baltimore's vibrant Trad scene. Modern perspective and compositional ambition combined with a deep reverence for folk music of years past paints a sonic landscape that spans ages and nations. Their signature sound is a mix of original tunes and songs that draw influence from Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian tradition. Their diverse instrumentation, infectious melodies, and contagious energy result in a live show that won't be easily forgotten.
Video: Promo Video
Concerning Clare
"Concerning Clare" is a Celtic-Folk sibling duo comprised of Mary-Grace Autumn Lee and Luke Joseph-Winter Lee. They are also members of the sibling band, Seasons, based out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Luke received a degree in cello performance from Lebanon Valley College. He has performed at several Renaissance Faires including Pennsylvania, Texas, and New York. He also played for the Flaming Idiots reunion Show.
Mary-Grace is an award-winning hammered dulcimer player. She placed third on hammered dulcimer at the All-Ireland Fleadh in the Over 18 Miscellaneous Instrument category in Wexford, Ireland last August. This is the highest level of competition in traditional Irish music. She has performed and instructed at multiple Celtic Festivals as well as the Nutmeg Valley Dulcimer Festival.
Concerning Clare has played at different venues and festivals including 48 Record Bar in Philadelphia, The Susquehanna Folk Music Society, Ashokan Fiddle Camp, and The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Together they present a mix of Irish and Scottish tunes, as well as a few surprises along the way as they explore the unique combination of their instruments.
Video: LIVE at the Susquehanna Folk Coffee House
Bern n’ Bridge
Bern n’ Bridge is an acoustic duo featuring guitarist Bridget Gindhart from State College, PA, and vocalist Bernadette Bratina from Harrisburg, PA. They began performing Celtic and pop songs for pubs and wineries this past year, and enjoy mixing modern influences of pop and folk artists with traditional Irish and Celtic songs. Bern n’ Bridge incorporates both elements of classical vocal technique and modern influences like the use of a loop pedal in their set, and they hope to bring a fresh take on some old and new music!
Videos: Zombie Parting Glass
Craggy Island
Craggy Island plays Traditional Irish music, with a few surprises. Patrick Fenning, from Dublin, Ireland, on guitar, and Susan Withers on fiddle and whistle are well known for their rich vocals, lively instrumentals and original arrangements.
Susan and Patrick often perform as a duo but can expand the band up to five pieces when requested.
Craggy Island hosts an Irish traditional session at Magoo’s Pub in Frederick on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays of each month. They play regularly at The Beans in the Belfry, Magoo’s Pub, Milkhouse Brewery and New Market Plains Winery. Craggy Island has played the following festivals: The Frederick Celtic Festival, The Mid Maryland Irish Festival, CCE Fairfax Irish Festival, South Mountain Heritage Society Concert Series, Brunswick Railroad Days, Brunswick Community Picnic, St. Andrews Society, and twice at the Dill’s Celtic Festival. They also host the traditional Irish session on Saturday.
Hooligan Jack
Jack the Hooligan is proud of his Irish roots and feels a special connection to Irish music.
An Irish American musician who dubs himself "Hooligan Jack" and promises "Irish trad with a kick" hopes to light up Pennsylvania stages following a nearly decade-long hiatus.
Jack Misner is a solo performer who plays seven different instruments - bodhrán, Irish flute, penny whistle, Irish bouzouki, mandolin, djembe and didgeridoo, along with a shaker and tambourine strapped to his feet.
From comedy to history, and storytelling to side-splitting audience interaction, the 32-year-old - originally from Michigan but now living in Lancaster - insists his shows are "less of a performance and more something people can relate to" as he busies himself with putting a curious but entertaining twist on the conventional Irish trad genre.
Credit: Fionnuala Boyle of The Irish Star
Video: Tippin' it Up to Nancy
Tangled Woods
Skeffington Flynn and Mary Gunderson King perform acoustic music from the heart. The term folk is often understandably applied, but their repertoire crosses genres and defies easy classification. For the Dills festival however they'll be going full Celtic! They are super excited to make the short trip up the road from West Virginia and are really looking forward to putting on a performance you will remember. Strap in and get ready for a good time!
Video: Benefit on Gettysburg Square
Regimental Pipes & Drums
The Regimental Pipes & Drums was organized in December 2021 as a Living History group to portray the pipe bands of The Black Watch (The Royal Highland Regiment) of the British Army during World War II. We play period music on bagpipes and drums, and we wear authentic uniforms that were worn either in North Africa in the early-war era, or during the Great Victory Parades in Northwestern Europe during 1944-1945. During those periods, three battalions of The Black Watch served in two brigades of the 51stHighland Division. During those periods, the 51st HD passed a sterling combat record. Wherever they went, they were led by the pipes and drums who encouraged the troops, raised their morale, and participated in the various ceremonial events.
Betsy Barnicle
Betsy Barnicle - Betsy will be performing throughout the day Friday & Saturday as our "Strolling Fiddler."